Hawks bench former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher as playoff role evaporates

Key facts

• Zaccharie Risacher was selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
• In his sophomore season, Risacher averaged 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
• He shot 41.2% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range this season.
• In Game 1 of the playoffs vs. the Knicks, Risacher played 2 minutes, went 0/3 from the field, and had 4 rebounds.
• Risacher received a DNP-CD in Game 2, which the Hawks won 107-106.
• The Hawks hold a $13.83 million third-year option and a $17.43 million fourth-year option on Risacher.
• Atlanta may trade Risacher this offseason, according to sources.
• Risacher finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in his first season, averaging 12.6 points per game.

A sophomore slump and a playoff benching

Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been benched by the Atlanta Hawks during the playoffs, a stark reversal for a player once viewed as a franchise cornerstone. After playing just two minutes in Game 1 against the New York Knicks—a 113-102 loss—Risacher did not see the floor at all in Game 2, a 107-106 Hawks victory. The decision by head coach Quin Snyder to give Risacher a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) signals a deepening crisis of confidence in the 20-year-old forward. Risacher’s sophomore season has been a disappointment. After averaging 12.6 points per game as a rookie and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting to Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, his production dropped to 9.8 points per game this season. His shooting percentages also declined: 41.2% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range, numbers that fall short of expectations for a top overall pick.

The Knicks series exposes a shrinking role

In Game 1, Risacher’s two first-quarter minutes were enough for Snyder to pull him from the rotation. He missed all three of his field-goal attempts, though he did grab four rebounds. The coaching staff then turned to Corey Kispert, who played nine minutes in Game 2 and posted a plus-10 rating, and Jonathan Kuminga, who contributed 19 points in 35 minutes off the bench. Their effectiveness has pushed Risacher further down the priority list. With the series tied 1-1, the Hawks appear committed to a nine-man rotation that excludes Risacher. Snyder’s decision reflects the team’s playoff urgency: Atlanta cannot afford to prioritize development over winning. As one observer noted, the moment may be too large for Risacher at this stage of his career.

Risacher’s response: ‘I’m trying to make it a strength’

In an interview with BeBasket, Risacher addressed his dwindling playing time. “That’s what I was saying, it’s part of the challenge at the highest level. You can’t let yourself get down by things you can’t control,” he said. “Of course, you can imagine it’s not an easy situation to manage. But here I am, still here, even more motivated, I’d say. I have to try and turn this to my advantage. Obviously, it’s tough, let’s not kid ourselves. But I’m trying to make it a strength.” Risacher emphasized that he remains prepared to play if called upon. “The goal is to stay prepared no matter what. Since the beginning of the year, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. I try not to overthink things, because otherwise I simply won’t be able to cope. It’s part of the job to be professional and able to meet demands at any time, in any situation, and to do the best you can,” he said.

Numbers tell the story of a stalled development

Risacher’s statistical decline this season is stark. He appeared in 67 games, down from 75 as a rookie, and his scoring average dropped by nearly three points per game. His field-goal percentage fell from 46.0% to 41.2%, and his three-point accuracy slipped from 35.0% to 31.4%. The Hawks’ coaching staff has also given him a DNP-CD near the end of the regular season, a sign that his struggles have been ongoing. Despite the poor numbers, Risacher’s physical tools—length, shooting potential, and defensive versatility—remain intriguing. Many young players take time to adjust to the NBA’s speed and physicality, and his skill set has not yet fully translated at the professional level.

Contract decisions loom as trade speculation mounts

The Hawks face critical decisions on Risacher’s contract this offseason. They have already picked up his third-year option worth $13.83 million for next season. By October, they must decide whether to exercise his fourth-year option for $17,434,637. Given his poor play, the team may decline that option, according to sources. Trade rumors have also surfaced. The Hawks could sell low on the former No. 1 pick, finding a new home where Risacher might have a better chance to develop. While Atlanta would likely not recoup full value, a change of scenery could benefit both sides. Other franchises may still see potential in Risacher and attempt to acquire him at a discount.

A turning point or a dead end?

For Risacher, the current situation could serve as a turning point rather than a setback. Coming off the bench may reduce pressure and allow him to develop against second units, where he can refine his game and rebuild rhythm. The Hawks, meanwhile, are likely taking a long-term view, but the playoff benching suggests that patience is wearing thin. The label of “draft bust” has been applied by some fans and pundits, but it remains early in Risacher’s career. His response to adversity will determine whether he can fulfill the promise that made him the top pick. As he said, “I’m trying to make it a strength.”

The bottom line

• Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been benched in the playoffs after a poor sophomore season.
• His scoring average dropped from 12.6 to 9.8 points per game, and his shooting percentages declined significantly.
• The Hawks won Game 2 without Risacher, relying on Corey Kispert and Jonathan Kuminga off the bench.
• Risacher’s contract includes a $13.83 million third-year option and a $17.43 million fourth-year option that Atlanta may decline.
• Trade rumors are circulating, with the Hawks potentially moving Risacher this offseason.
• Risacher remains motivated and says he is trying to turn the benching into a strength.